Australia pick pint-sized prodigy Waiaria Ellis to tackle world champions New Zealand in Wellington
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Australia has picked a pint-sized teenage prodigy to tackle world champions New Zealand in Saturday's Test match in Wellington.
Waiaria Ellis will become the second youngest debutant in Wallaroos history after being named on the right wing.
At 17 years and 305 days, Ellis falls just short of the previous record set by Australia teammate Caitlyn Halse (17 years and 242 days).
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Waiaria Ellis of the Waratahs runs with the ball. Getty
A former gymnast nicknamed 'Baba', Ellis is the daughter of former St George Illawarra hooker Ben Ellis and sister of Parramatta NRLW prop Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis.
She was listed at just 160cm and 55kg last season but boasts spectacular footwork.
Ellis will need it as she marks Katelyn Vahaakolo, who has scored 23 tries in 15 internationals.
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Waiaria Ellis poses at Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub. Getty
"We're all really pleased for Waiaria, she has been involved in our camps for a while now and came out with us to WXV in South Africa last year," Australia coach Jo Yapp said.
"She has an excellent skillset and her youthfulness has a great effect on the playing group. We are confident in her ability to take the next step at this level.
"We also welcome back Piper Duck, Lydia Kavoa, Sammy Wood and Annabelle Codey, who are all great inclusions for us at this time of the year.
Jo Yapp of the Wallaroos speaks to players after their defeat. Getty
"Our World Cup preparations are well and truly underway and we have been really impressed with how the players are stepping up at training."
The Wallaroos have never beaten the Black Ferns in 29 attempts.
NEW ZEALAND (15-1): Renee Holmes, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka, Sylvia Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (co-c), Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Alana Bremner (co-c), Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko
Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Amy Rule, Laura Bayfield, Layla Sae, Iritana Hohaia, Kelly Brazier, Ruby Tui
AUSTRALIA (15-1): Faitala Moleka, Waiaria Ellis, Charlotte Caslick, Trilleen Pomare, Desiree Miller, Tia Hinds, Layne Morgan, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Ashley Marsters, Siokapesi Palu (c), Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Bridie O'Gorman, Tania Naden, Faliki Pohiva
Reserves: Adiana Talakai, Lydia Kavoa, Eva Karpani, Annabelle Codey, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor, Samantha Wood, Cecilia Smith
